>> it's very early, 5:00 but there's a lot happening at the stakes barn, the horses are up and adam. some of them being walked around. definitely a lot going on as people should come to the preakness today security here is going to be a lot tighter than last season and those who came today and now out. >> the goo goo dolls took center stage at the pimlico center stage. >> goo goo dolls, great weather. having a great time here at pimlico. >> it kicked off black eyed susan day always the day before preakness. this year visitors were greeted with stricter security measures scanned ns were also with a wand but most didn't mind. >> there's nothing wrong with that.

it's better to be safe than sorry. >> now all eyes are focused on saturday. others are betting on kentucky derby winner orb who is trying to win the second leg of the triple crown. most think he has what it takes to go all the way. >> it's tough to win the triple crown and there's a lot of things that go into it, but i think he has a good shot. >> i want orb to win. i want a triple crown so bad. >> now, throw hasn't been a trim crown winner since 1978. reporting from the stakes barn i'm sarah sampson now let's send it over to ava marie. >> so gorgus throughout at the stakes barn. it's interesting to see what the horses and trainers are doing as they lead up to the race. i'm at a the corporate village side and there will be crowds

and crowds of people coming in, but right now kind of savering the sereneness of it all. luckily i'm inside a tent at this point helping to block the wind and keep the temperatures a little warmer. so when i measured it here, it's a comfortable warm temperature. 's hard to dress for a day like this in the morning because you want to be in a dress. the one thing people will have to watch out for today, the showers. we have been talking about this all week long. we knew there was a hint far chance of showers, but the good news it's not going to rain all the day long. i think if you have a big hat that will help any raindrops and maybe a light jacket but with security procedures you're probably going to want to bring as little as possible so a light rain jacket will be ok

with the few showers. the bulk of activity should be south of us. ava marie live from pimp pifment back to you guys. >> ava, of course the trainers and the owners think they have a lot today with the running of the preakness. we have to worry about our hair. but a big concern, ava, what about security in your own experience what trouble did you have getting in? >> well, we didn't have any trouble. we obviously had little trouble. we showed our credentials but we brought as little as possible. i normally bring a big bag and purse but i just brought a tiny purse today. we got in ok. >> thank you ava. wbal-tv 11 news is the official ation of the 138th preakness stakes then you can catch the coverage leading up to the big race and as always you can go

online to wbal-tv 11 news. >> in other news more allegations of misconduct in the baltimore police conduct. today a city police officer has been charged with assault on a citizen. more on the charges against sergeant mitchell. >> according to the charges it happened in west baltimore steps from the western district police station. the report says officer robert mitchell was in uniform and on duty when he assaulted a civilian and deputy commissioner jerry rodriguez referenced other recent cases of alleged officer misconduct as he spoke about it. >> we will root out corruption. we owe it to the hard-working men and women who serve stay

and who have served in years past to work not to jeopardize the trust of the public. >> tie jan williams lived on the same street where the alleged attack took place. a family member told us they were aware of the charges but mitchell is charged with second-degree assault and misconduct. they say he was suspended and placed on administrative leave when the charges game about. >> these came about because of our close relationship with the states attorneys office and we try to do exactly what the commissioner has mandated. >> kai reed reporting for wbal-tv 11 news. tavon white the inplate who allegedly impregnated four city corrections officers has been

moved outside of the area and conditions made it difficult to prepare a defense. white is one of 25 including 13 female corrections officers alleging widespread corruption inside the baltimore detention center and we also learned the head of the investigative unit is leaving for the u.s. department of veterans affairs. jesse ballard oversaw investigations and they say ballard's move is not connected to the corruption case. >> we are learning about a grizzly discovery, baltimore police are investigating a woman's death as a homicide. they found the woman's body and say an injured male was transported to a hospital. no word yetn how the woman

died or the extent of the man's injuries, but police say they do believe the crime was domestic. >> in an attempt to curb animal abuse it started with the -- ing of a vicious dog vicious burning of a dog in 19 in 2009. >> police released this report only after we asked when it would be made public. a pit bull named phoenix burned so badly in 2009 she eventually had to be euthanized. it led to national charges and led then mayor sheila decisions on the set up an animal abuse task force then furthered by mayor stephanie rawlings-blake in 2010. but a new report details serious setbacks.

the result, the report says of the failure of city agencies to do their part. most distressing the report says is many of the stake holders in the fight have not cooperated with the commission and it said we have lost ground to protect animals from abuse, and one problem is the police department, the department's interest began to wane and one saw meetings as unproductive despite link between animal abuse and violent crime many law enforcement officials continue to treat animal abuse as a minor property crime. accounting for the number of cases has become a challenge according to the report. a system was set up in 2009 to track cases but according to the report animal control never fully implemented or sustained the protocolors and it falls under health department but the commissioner didn't attend a

meeting of the anti-abuse commission for 18 months after she was appointed and says it remains the step child of the department and it's chronically underfunded and understaffed. just one animal control officer is on duty at night according to the report and since last year no one's responding to calls of animals running at large. >> they say five key members of the commission recently resigned including the commission chair and a circuit court judge who had lots of trouble when her own dog was attacked. >> and they stay mayor is reviewing the report and maintains the city does not tolerate animal abuse. >> $600 million reasons to buy a powerball ticket. up a i head a look at the

record-breaking lottery. >> mild temperatures, but what about the rain chances? we'll talk about that coming up. >> and the first lady-inspired state class of 2013. why the ceremony had to move to college park. stay with us. 11 news saturday morning just getting started. hundreds more in your wallet year after year. feed me! saving you money -- now, that's progressive. call or click today.

>> well, good morning. we had a gorgeous day yesterday, and lots of sun. but the wind begoon shift a little bit. this morning we have cloudy skies in general and few breaks in the clouds here and there. as i was driving in there were a few sprinkles and the sprinkles came from this band of light showers now moving out across the bay on to the eastern shore. we see a little cluster of activity just past frederick

and carroll county moving to northern hourt county so it's moving along i-70 and we will see a little bit more of this type of activity. it will be a threatening day but not a washout-type of day as far as the weather is concerned. let's look at yesterday's temperatures, 82 was the high. 55 was the low yesterday morning. typical high 74. it will be a struggle to get that way. although we're starting out mild, at the airport, 63. downtown 66. on the boardwalk at ocean city only 68 at parkton. frederick 61. the key to today's weather is yes, we have a lot of stuff going on to the south and southwest of us. but even though everything looks like it's covered west-to-east, that brings in an extra amount of moisture in

addition to what's to the south of us. that keeps things kind of cloudy. so this easterly flow including this stalled out front increases the rain chances. so that's what we have in the forecast today. clouds, spotty showers, high temperatures, upper 60's to low 70's. the temperature range. so definitely not a washout. but definitely, you know, there's going to be a little bit of this stuff going on. east-southeast winds 5-10 miles an hour. our radar shows a fair share of clouds just about everywhere but as we advance to this afternoon, the bulk of showers to the south of us. race time is is at 6:00 p.m. but not a prime target but you do see areas of rain primarily to our west-southwest.

by the time we get into sunday, the rain chances are higher. and monday is a bigger rain day as well with rain very much in the forecast. so here's seven days worth for you. highs today struggling to make it to around 70 but tomorrow the rain chances go up and a higher chance for scattered thunderstorms. then midweek we will be up near the 80's but a few isolated thunderstorms are possible so as we get deeper into the week we do warm up. >> glass half full. 80% chance it's not going to rain. >> i love it, jen. well the first lady urges women o pass on their hunger for learning to future generations. >> and there could be more history made at today's preakness we'll explain.@

>> well, getting his preakness morning bath. we don't know who that is but a quiet morning at the stakes barn. >> oh, wonderful. things are starting to get rolling here. fingers are crossed about the weather. let's check in with ava marie life -- who is life at pimlico. >> it's dry over pimlico right now. i didn't encounter any sprinkles on my way here but because of the security procedure,, i'm here with the american jockey club. you mean principleas are not allowed at pimlico. is that a new rule? >> no. that's always been the rule. horses get spooked so it's easier to say no umbrellas. >> so we do have at least an isolated chance for a shower. if you're wearing something

nice you may want to have a rain jacket handy. probably the best thing the do. >> i brought one. >> hey, you listened to the forecast. >> yes. >> we've been talking about these showers all week long and we have to put it in that the chance is there but i think it's turning out as good razz it could with just a few isolated showers. >> yes. it seems every year there's a chance for rain right around 6:15 but again, spectacular start of the weekend. yesterday the weather was gorgeous. terrific day and if it holds off, i think we're going to have another possiblal record-setting day. >> real quick, let's go over the additional security procedures new this year main thirty bags that's the big thing people should not be bringing. >> the four big things is you're going to get wanded. so take your time. we had 40,000 instead of the possible 120,000.

so the ore thing is you will not be allowed to bring back packs into the buildling or the cameras. if you're coming here the cameras the detachible cameras nnot be more than four inches. so go to the website. >> we also have it listed at www.wbaltv.com. good to check that out to make sure you're not bringing anything you're not supposed to but for today just come out and enjoy. i would have some sort of light rain jacket ready or a big ole hat to block out the raindrops. back to you in the studio. we're hoping the shourts are pretty hit and miss. >> thank you guys so much. well, president obama was in baltimore yesterday attempting to shift the focus from controversies plaguing his administration to jobs in the economy.

here's 11 news reporter george lettuce with more. >> a relaxed president obama seemed happy to get away from washington to try to change the subject from this week's scandals to what he would rather talk about, jobs and the economy. >> others may get distracted but the middle class will always be my number one focus, your jobs, your families, your communities. that's why i ran for president. >> i'm excited just to be in the presence of the president. just to be in the presence of him. >> he's had a tough week. >> oh, very tough. but he will survive. he's strong. >> he wanted to get out of town, didn't he? >> yes, and he came to the right place. >> a 128-year-old mining and piping company in south baltimore. much of its work is exported for worldwide projects. the president used it as an

example of why he thinks manufacturing can make a comeback in the u.s. >> we have got to stay focused on our economy and putting people back to work and raising wages and bringing manufactures back to the united states of america that, has to be what we're thinking about every single day. >> and he used it to announce he has directed federal agencies to cut in half the time it takes to get infrastructure projects started. >> that means construction workers get back on the job faster and more money going back into local economies. >> mr. obama's day began at an elementary school. >> a big or little? >> little. >> where he joined a few dozen 4 and 5-year-olds where he joined them about animal education. while the president avoided this week's scanned louse

topics, he knew he couldn't -- >> ray lewis in the china room. yeah. what could go wrong? [laughter] >> george let us the wbal-tv 11 news. >> and the floyd and the first lady was also delivering the address for bowie state university. it had to be moved to college park because of the large numbers. mrs. obama said it's about educational progress and social progress. >> we need to once again fight to educate ourselves and our children like our lives depend on it. >> mrs. obama told the graduating class that statistics show college graduates live longer earned more money. well, it's been more than four decas since a horse won the

major. >> why today's preakness could go down in history. >> but as we head to break, a look at -- well, the other things going on around town today. let's take a look. hundreds more in your wallet year after year. feed me! saving you money -- now, that's progressive. call or click today.

>> ooh, are you ready for this? the powerball lottery has delimed about $600 million. it is a powerball record and just few million shy of the largest jackpot in the world,

656 for the mega millions. you will have two opportunities to watch beginning at the top of tonight's 11:00 p.m. newscast as well as at 11:22. >> i could just win one million, that would be fine. >> we have to get our tickets. >> you got it. time right now, 5:29. today's big news, the preakness. >> coming up the very noticeable security changes you can expect to see in the wake of the marathon explosions. >> and as you try to dress for the weather here at pimlico today you may want to consider those security procedures as well. details coming up. >> and i'm sarah sampson. we're live at the stakes barn. coming up, how the horses are preparing for the big race.

and welcome back to 11 news

preakness saturday morning. thank you for joining us. >> of course the triple crown is the biggest thing and wbal-tv is the station to watch for the most in-depth coverage. >> we go to sarah sampson and ava marie. good morning. >> good morning. beautiful morning out here at pimlico. we didn't even en counterany raindrops on our way here but there are a few light sprinkles around baltimore. we have been talking about this chance for thundershowers and looks like it's turning out as good as possible in the sense that we're only going to have isolated showers. hit or miss but a lot of clouds in place. so as you're dressing keep in mind umbrellas are not allowed both for security reasons and it tends to spook the horses so you may want a light rain jacket, something handy, something you could roll up and tuck away in a pocket otherwise a hat will probably help block

some of those raindrops but the temperatures approaching 70 degrees later today. so not too hot. you don't have to worry about the bright sun but you will be dodgeing a few raindrops. right behind me is the track. i'm in the infield that the point and within this half-hour we're going to see a few horses startling to train. orb should be out there on the track soon so i'm hoping to get a sneak peek of that. >> we want you to know you look absolutely beautiful and very protect protecty today. [laughter] for preaknessy today. [laughter] >> hey sarah sampson? >> later today the excitement is going to be here but right now all the fun at the stakes barn. since we got here before 5:00 a.m. the horses have been up, eating, drinking, they have been getting their baths.

a couple horses were lined up here getting taken care of earlier. some of them are out stretching their legs already. nine horses will be in the preakness obviously later today and we took an informal poll yesterday and many people are not surprisingly pulling for the kentucky derby winner, orb. >> i think or 's got a good shot. it's tough to win the triple crown and there's a lot of things that go into it, but i think he's got a good shot. >> orb. i want him to win. i want a triple crown so bad. >> now, there has not been a triple crown winner since 197 so if we were to to see that, that would be pretty spectacular. >> reporting live at the stakes barn, sarah sampson wbal-tv 11 news. >> thank you sarah and some very noticeable changes will come with new security measures

in place. >> they come in response of course to the bombing of the boston marathon. barry simms has more on the tightened security. >> it's a picture-perfect day before preakness. private track pate reasons to forming lines at the windows. they had to hand? line at the pimlico entrances where security workers made checks. >> no knives are allowed in the building. >> also not allowed, back packs, duffel bags, camcorders and tripods. searches of women's purses and the added security measures are in place following the bombings of the boston marathon. >> the jockey club was very specific about living in the new heightened state of alert. forbed we have a tragedy like that, we want to be

prepared. >> and getting into pimlico was a process. >> but it was ok. i don't mind. like i said, i understand why they are doing it and it's no big deal to me why they are doing it. but others may be frustrated waiting in line. for me, eight minutes from start to finish. >> it's an inconvenient measure but in this climate it's important i think, you know? everything that's going on, i just saw a gentleman turned away because he had a pocket knife. think he should have known better. >> it's good. better to be safe than sorry. >> making sure everybody who comes to pimlico has a great time, enjoys the preakness and gets home safely. >> later today the winner of the preakness will be crowned and all eyes on the kentucky derby winner, orb but there's another horse getting a lot of attention. >> the pair riding for a shot

at history. here's 11 news reporter kate amara. >> on saturday rosy in a prod nick has a chance to become the first woman to twin preakness and if it happens she can thank cheryl white and barbra joe ruden. >> it's good to see rosy keep making a name for us and i think she is going to have a good shot at running at orb. i don't know if she will beat him but she will be there. >> the women return every may to compete in a charity race with six other retired female champions. barbra joe ruden road into the record books in 1969 when she became the first female jockey to win a race in the united states. >> the 64-year-old said shelves cheered and booed. >> a lot of them were yelling at me to go home, make babies, you're going to kill somebody.

>> cheryl white was the first african-american female jockey. started racing in 1971. >> i road races for 21 years and won about 720 races. it's been a long road, but it's been an interesting and very lucrative, fun road for me anyway. >> fun for these ladies now includes picking out the proper speck tating outfit for preakness day, in between the wardrobe changes, the conversation inevitably turns to horseracing. >> it's in my blood. >> i think it's opened up a lot for women. back then they wouldn't even let us come on the racetrack. >> though this remains male-dominated sport, times have changed thanks to these women who pioneered the way. in pimlico, i'm kate amara, wbal-tv 11 news. >> and follow the preakness

online and on mobble, use the -- #wbal#wbal-tv preakness. >> and although it's preakness day we're going switch gears. two metro trains collide sending dozens to the hospital.

hey, look! a shooting star! make a wish! i wish we could lie here forever. i wish this test drive was over, so we could head back to the dealership. [ male announcer ] it's practically yours. test drive! but we still need your signature. volkswagen sign then drive is back. and it's never been easier to get a jetta. that's the power of german engineering. get $0 down, $0 due at signing, $0 deposit, and $0 first month's payment on any new volkswagen. visit vwdealer.com today. >> well, good morning. and it is a good morning. mild temperatures out. yesterday we made it into the 80's for highs. we had some sun. clouds this morning. but some of those clouds producing sprinkles. we see a few light showers or sprinkles.

harford county on the eastern shore and one now moving through northern howard county and weakening as it moves in towards the city. that is very light rain shower activity. almost not enough there to wet the pavement. that's the kind of stuff we'll see. we may see more of these spots around the area. but far from a washout. temperature-wise varying during the day. well, we're not going to be quite as warm as yesterday, and we'll take a look at what the track weather will be. east winds coming taffle ocean tend to told temperatures down a bit but as we get into next week temperatures will be climbing above normal. speaking of temperatures, at pimlico, 62 degrees and east winds at 8 miles an hour otherwise just cloudy skies. elsewhere, annapolis checks in with 64.

martin airport, 63. the big picture. most of the stormy weather will be south of us or in the planes states. you see how close the shower activity is but in baltimore a little drier than what they are going to get to the south of us. east winds are the key to our forecast. they hold the clouds in and temperatures down and provide us with a small chance of rain. the large e chances of rain will be to the south of us, so for the day today, cloudy skies, a little cooler than yesterday, spotty showers and winds with the high temperature range from the upper 60's into the low 70's depending on how thick the clouds are. as we go into the afternoon and evening we're not the prime target for rain. with all this stuff going on around us, you can't eliminate

the possibility of a shower passing through. but on sunday the bulk of the activity will be off to our south west but close enough where we have to include the chances but as monday approaches the rain chances really go up to thunderstorms. so the seven-day forecast around 70 today and tomorrow. rain chances small but there today. higher tomorrow and much higher on monday and monday we could see thunderstorm activity. tuesday and wednesday the temperatures warm well into the 80's then this will feel like summertime then on thursday some thunderstorm chances drying out a bit as we go into next weekend. >> all right. john, thank you. up next a touching story, a 9-year-old story gets the surprise of her life after throwing out the first pitch at the tampa bay rays game. >> and two trains collide injuring about 60 people.

we'll have the latest. >> but first here's a look at last night's winning lottery numbers.

>> dozens of people were injured, five in critical condition. 2007 latest. >> authorities say an eastbound metro train headed to new york city collided near fairfield, connecticut. >> these cars came into contact. ripped off at least a portion of the siding of one of the cars. extensive damage in the front. >> a passenger from toronto

described the aftermath. >> we were pretty shaken up. we had to get out of the window. people were pretty ok but a lot of worried people, too. >> as many as 60 commuters were taken to the hospital, most with non-life threatening injuries. >> five we're reporting as critical and one very critical at this time. >> connecticut's governor malloy stayed area where the accident occurred was down to two lanes due to repair work and said the ntsb will be handling the investigation. >> the investigation will be full and row buths and ultimately led by the federal authorities. >> authorities are cautiously optimistic that the tracks will be returned to service as early as monday. >> dan schennman, nbc news. >> switching gears to a first nature will surely melt your heart. 9-year-old elaina adams was selected to throw out the first

pitch in the game at the tampa bay ray's game against the red sox. her father had been overseas for two years. elaina threw ball to home plate, the catcher grabbed it and removed his mask and it was her father. look at this. so surprised of course. can't let go hugging. is that fantastic? >> i could watch stories like that over and other and over again. >> so adorable. >> he held her so tight. > much more after the break.

scombl a run yesterday in towson was held in honor of boston marathon victim and many laced up their shoes and hit the pavement all in an effort to help. >> we're going to give her a check for $3,000 to help.

[applause] >> in celebration at the immaculate conception school in towson every student here can be proud of. each one raised money to help ericka beranek literally pennies at a time. >> as the children were coming in in the morning they were telling me stories. the little girl had a handfull of pennies saying it makes me so sad that it could have been my teacher then whispered to me, this is from my piggy bank. >> then a major moneymaker for the school but when the school found out that she teaches directly across from the preschool they worked extra hard for the teacher who lost her leg in the bombing. >> they know who she is and they know that she was hurt, and they just want to help her. they care. >> i was sad but to hear

someone right across the street from us was hurt, it was really shocking. >> we don't usually have dressdown days. we have more spirit days and it's really special to have a dressdown day. >> it was important to donate and wish her well. the kids made her cards. >> i think she is doing well and it brings her comfort and the support in baltimore for her has made such a difference for her. >> and the first graders are going to do something in the next few weeks to raise even more money for her so even the little ones are getting the idea to help out. >> the time is 5:55. it's 66 degrees on tv hill. here's a look ahead to our next hour of 11 news saturday morning. >> i'm sarah sampson. we're live at the stakes barn where the horses are warming up for the big race later today. more on that coming up. >> and the skies are just starting to brighten up over

the track where a few horses are getting up to practice. ava marie with live updates when we come back. >> and she beat out a lot of people to earn her new spot as the handicapper at pimlico.

[captioning made possible by constellation energy group]

>> and good morning. welcome to 11 news saturday morning i'm jennifer franciotti. thanks so much for joining us on preakness morning, lisa by the way has the day off. >> and the day horseracing fans have been waiting for is here, the 138th running of the preakness at pimlico. >> and we do have live team coverage starting with meteorologist ava marie and sarah sampson who is at the stakes barn. how are you doing out there? >> good morning. we're doing great. right now the horses are out. they are kind of stretching their legs. this horse is will take charge. he is one of three horses seen trained by dr. wayne lucas who has had five preakness winners in his history. will take charge is here grazing with these other horses. they have been out there stretching their legs and we're

told they will get about 30 minutes outside their pens before they are put back in to rest up for the big race later today. lots of people are going to be here. lots of excitement, and one thing to note is there will be some security changes this year. the goo goo dolls took center stage at the pimlico infield friday night. >> it was priced very inexpensively. >> goo goo dolls, and great weather, having a great time here at pimlico. >> it capped off black-eyed susan day always the day before preakness. >> this year spectators were greeted with stricter security measures. most didn't mind. >> it's fine. they got to do what they got to do. >> a lot of increased security which is a good thing. nothing wrong with that. better to be safe than sorry. >> now all eyes are focused on

saturday in the 138th running of the preakness stakes. many are betting on orb. most think he's got what it takes to go all the way. >> it's tough to win the triple crown. there's a lot of things that go into it but i think he has a good shot. >> orb, i want him to win. i want a triple crown so bad. >> and we haven't seen a triple crown winner since 1978. reporting live at the stakes barn, sarah sampson, wbal-tv 11 ews. >> good morning sarah. you have the lucky spot. you're getting to see all the horses. i'm at the infield where the track is behind me. you can't see it because of the screen behind me blocking out a lot of the light but the sun is rising here at pimlico. a few horses have been out on the track that opened up at

5:30 to get out and practice and it will be closed at this point. they had the half-hour break and now looks like they are all hanging out at the stakes barn. the good news is the weather is pretty decent. especially compared to what it was like at the derby when they just had that soaking, drenching rain when everyone had to wear pan chose over their nice dresses. sprink recalls possible by 10:00 a.m. and even close to post time at 6:15 we are expecting an isolated temperature and -- an isolated shower and temperatures should be approaching 70. so definitely not as sunny and warm as last year and you will have to dodge a few isolated rain showers maybe but we could have much worse weather on a day like today. but it is so beautiful here and i always enjoy these moments when i have -- when i get to be

here by myself. >> it's like ava day at pimlico. awesome. >> i'm savering it. -- i'm savoring it. >> so in terms of hour plan b, because we're heading out soon. what should our plan b be? >> wait, i don't follow. >> the rain plan b? >> i see. >> you know i'm already worried about the bag i brought. >> she's worried about the bag. >> the security procedures, bring as little as you can. you don't want a big bag and you know how purses can get big so bring as little as you can and a light rain jacket possible, maybe something to just cover you up but really the rain should be minimal today. >> i think deb and i -- i will huddle next to her. that's my plan b. >> bring a big hat. >> sounds great. >> i've already put the s.o.s. out to donna hamilton far purse. donna, if you're watching, i

need a little black purse. >> so if you're headed to preakness there's always public transportation if you want to avoid traffic and parking altogether. >> with that let's check in with kirk kirk of the metro traffic report. >> >> good morning. we have got a number of ways to get to the pimlico on the m.t.a. fist light railal is an option from points north and south to the cold spring lane stop then take a connecting shuttle bus to pimlico from points east or west, the metro subway will serve you well. take metro to the rogers avenue station and connect to a shuttle bus for a short ride to .50 all-day h a $3 pass. light rail, metro subway and the 54 bus will cost you only

$3.50 for an all-day pass. it begins and return service begins at approximately 6:15 p.m. and runs until 7:30. for the m.t.a. transit team i'm kurt kroncke. back to you jennifer and debra. >> and the cost of avoiding the parking hassle? priceless. >> well said. >> new security measures in place. >> the added precautions come in response to the boston marathon bombing. more on this tightened security. >> it's a picture-perfect day before preakness. private track patrons forming lines at windows to buy race tickets, head to stand in line at the entrances where security workers made checks. >> no knives in the building. >> also back packs, duffel bags and cam corders and tripods.

searches of women's purses. the added security measures are in place following the barry elrose -- following the boston marathon bombings. >> and we do live in a heightened state of alert. that's to be expected, god forbid we have a terrible tragedy like that in baltimore, we want to make sure we're prepared for that. >> other security forces are at the track. one says getting intpimlico was a process. >> but it was ok. i don't mind. like i said, i understand why they are doing it and it's no big deal to me why they are doing it. other people might get frustrated. for me, eight minutes from start to finish. >> others are also taking the new precaution in stride. >> it's an inconvenient measure but in this climate, it's important, i think, you know? everything that's gone on, i just saw a gentleman turned away because he had a pocket knife. i think he should have known better.

it's good. >> better to be safe than sorry. >> police say the core focus is making sure everyone who comes to pimlico has is a great time and enjoys preakness and gets home safely. >> and there are so many traditions leading up to race day from the breakfast to the annual crab derby. >> and preakness filled with tradition and history. you may have felt like you've seen and heard and done it all but we sent kate amara out the make sure that doesn't happen to you. >> we have been doing this for 130 years now. the preakness so full of history and tradition at this point there really is something for everyone. the spectacular hot air balloon festival at turk valley, the black eyed susan blanket we all know never really are made of black-eyed susan. >> and there's the infield

bikini contest and glee club. but this year we managed to sniff out a few surprises. on a sunrise tour at pimlico it wasn't orb that took their breath away, it was his shampoo. >> and they use garnier fructis, who knew that? >> we have been wondering how shove mcgahee got his name. >> i never really had a kind of definitive answer. from anybody. well this is why we had this but wasn't sure. >> this year jockey rosesi has a real shot at becoming the first woman to win the preakness. if it happens, she has these two to thank. >> cheryl white was first african owner in win and another the first woman to win in the united states. >> a lot of them were yelling at me to go home and make

babies and i was going to kill somebody. >> if you watch the stands you may spot to pioneers who helped pave the way. kate amara, wbal-tv 11 news. >> and wbal-tv is the official station of the 138th preakness stakes. our live coverage all morning and live coverage starts at 1:00 p.m. leading up to the race. we are going to be out there in the corporate village, so coverage all over the place. >> it's 6:08. 66 degrees on tv hill. we have much more. >> and our own donna hamilton introduces you to these top chefs who will be serving the masses at the preakness. lots of food. >> most of the rain this morning is way to our south. forecast details for the race coming up. @

>> well, good morning. first we'll take a look at the radar. there's breaks in the clouds, but there's also a little bit of a shower northern howard county along i-70 and moving towards city so a shower or sprinkle. there may be enough to dampen the pavement but it's been weakening since it's been moving out of frederick county, so there's just not a lot here. also near cecil county and east of chestertown. there's a lot more rain to the south of us.

but let's check out the temperatures. that's the other part of the formula here this morning so as we overtake a look city and just a few patches of blue there's a few degrees at pimlico. sflours there's a few sprinkles in the area. 589 miles an hour at the inner harbor at 67, 62 at b.w.i. 61 in sykesville. also rock haul across the bay chestertown checks in at 62 degrees. a little wider view of what's going on. a few sprinkles here and there mostly west of town. insignificant stuff. mostly decent rainfall or significant voifl down to the south of us and moving east. at the moment we have east winds behind a stationary front stalled just off to our southwest so the moisture really for the most part is coming off the ocean. warmer air to the south today

and we're technically in the cooler air so we won't be as warm as yesterday but we're close enough to the front that in addition to the clouds we won't be terribly chilly and we cannot take the rain out of the forecast but it just won't be a major portion or piece of or element of the forecast for the race or any other thing today. there may be a few breaks or spots but spotty showers. temperatures from 67-72. now, if you get a big break in the clouds for a brief period of time it could last as little as 72. again, we're right on the edge here. sunrise we're right past that. here's our insta-weather future cast beginning with rain and rain surrounding us. so again, during the day today and this evening we will have the spotty rain showers. the rain chances increase tomorrow especially off to our southwest.

highest rain chances will come on monday for showers and thunderstorms so here is the seff day. -- the seven-day. a much higher chance for rain on sunday and then thunderstorms on monday tapering off to isolated storms. very summer-like. tuesday and wednesday but thursday scourts and thunderstorms as well by the end of the day. notice these nice, warm temperatures in the coming week. ava, not bad out there. in the pleasant, cool 60's and it hasn't rained on your little hat yet but you're probably under cover? >> yes. it's helping to block a little of the wind and it feels comfortable. it's hard to dress in a nice dress and heels when it's cooler in the morning hours but the good news is the sun is starting to come out and temperatures should be fairly comfortable as we get into the afternoon. we have that easterly wind flow

that will help produce a few clouds especially as we go through 10:00 a.m. where temperatures are 67. by 2:00 p.m. we're hitting 70 degrees and around 6:15 p.m. later today it should be back into the mid 60's. but i wouldn't consider this a washout of a pattern. if you want to, you can bring out a light rain jacket but you may not need it. you may have a good chance to stay covered under a hat or ducking into a grand stand for a moment but it's great considering how rainy it was out at the derby. we'll continue to have live updates at pimlico. >> i love her attitude, it can always be saved. we have betting tips from our handicap expert. >> always good to know and you can meet one of the youngest handicappers at the preakness and why one believes being the

youngest handicapper believes odds are in her favor. did we get it?

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where do i sign in? [ male announcer ] that's powerful. switch to fios and we'll triple your speeds for free with an upgrade to fios quantum. marvel's iron man 3, now in theaters. >> a 22-year-old towson university student is the newest handicapper. we are introduced to gabby gaw debt. >> gabby gaw debt jokes she was born on a racetrack. she wasn't really but no doubt everything in her life prepared her for where she is today getting her ready for her new job as the handicapper. >> i've known how to read a program since i could read a book, and it's just been my parents are very proud of me. my whole family is from the industry so it's been exciting. >> gabby's parents are horse trainers and was homeschooled until 8th grade and got her

exercise license at 16. it started with an anxiety-filled audition process. >> the day i had my audition was the first day i had ever been on camera, ever seen a camera, and it was a ground breaking experience. >> gabby doesn't start full time until the fall but right now she is working at pimlico, finishing her senior year at towson university and trying to soak up as much as she can. >> my job so get information and feick top three or four horses finishing one, two, three. i have about three to five minutes before the race and go on tv and give my picks, my information. >> she knows her young age comes with extra pressure to prove herself but also a unique opportunity to attract horseracing a younger audience. >> we have so many new initiatives drawing younger people into the sport and me

being young i am hoping to be voice of that and bring people in because i love the sport. i'm passionate about it. >> kai reed reporting for wbal-tv 11 news. >> well, if you're looking to put a couple bucks down on a few horses we are lookal at a few horses you might want to bet on. >> all right dan you know of what you speak because your family is steeped in horseracing. >> yes. my father and uncle used to own and train horseraces and here are our colors, golden sea but i spent a lot of my formtive years at the track. >> and this is good to know because you're going to tell us at least who we should be rooting for. >> there's two different things in materials of who you put your money on and who is going to win the race. because if we're looking at the race orb is what we call a winner-plus. meaning he won his last race and going away and coming back to the same company. we know he can run the distance

and ground but six wins in a row is a lot for a young horse. bir he will be the prohibitive favorite no doubt about that. >> let's stwart "it's my lucky day." >> well orb has defeated it's my lucky day more than once. you have to throw out his last performance given the slop we saw at kentucky derby. my concern is weather he has peaked or not. he has had a couple victories and second to orb in the florida derby with a tendency to go wide. i think he will be in the middle of the pack and finish in the middle of the pack. >> and golden sense. he was expected to do well. >> you have 20 horses running, the mud and slop is going everywhere. you kind of have to throw that race out. a lot of horses are not fans of the sloppy conditions and unless you're on top you're getting mud kicked in your face.

when he does run he goes to the front. his victories are mostly wire-to-wire jobs meaning you have to expect him to go right to the front and all the way around. garon he will do that today. >> and two horses title town 5, ox beau and will take charge. let's talk about pedal town five first. >> it's yet another one of the speed horses in this particular race. he's never run with 126 pounds or this distance and seems to prefer sproints expect him to run toward front for the first six ordinary person seven if you are longs and then drop back. >> what about ox beau? >> another horse that likes to run early, and in the derby he went about six if you are long and think he will be up near the front but by the end of the race i don't expect him to be there. >> we will be talking more about these horses in the 9:00 hour. >> thank you. >> he is bringing italian flavors to the infield, you

will feet in celebrity chef cooking for over 6

>> one of the things people look forward at the preakness is the food and last year the celebrity chefs this year it's top chef michael isabella. >> we have a are you bash samplelers under the tent. >> look at that. nice and juicy. >> want to add a little more alcohol in the food instead of just drinking it from the glass. so as you see here we're going in bulk.

we have lemon which he willo minute i can't nets. it's pepper corn, a little bit of vinegar. [laughter] mmm. >> so we're going to change it up a little bit. not flat traditional flavors you're used to seeing at the preakness. >> how many people are you going to be serving? >> 6,000 people. >> holy cow. >> at pimlico if you go back to a second bite, it makes me happy. >> how do you feel? >> this is nuts. i've never fed 6,000 people before. it's definitely a little intense and unexpected. a different world than being in a little kitchen where we cook for a couple 100 people throughout a few hours. >> think of how well you will sleep sunday. >> after a glass of bourbon. >> donna hamilton, wbal-tv 11 news. [laughter] so cute. so much fun. >> all right. time right now 6:28 and 62

degrees on tv hill. when we come back, more coverage of the preakness. >> and i'm sarah sampson we're life at the stakes barn where the horses are preparing for the big race later. that story coming up. >> ava marie live from the infield as i'm watching them get track ready.

>> welcome back to 11 news preakness saturday morning. >> thank you for joining us. >> that's right. the second jewel of the triple crown starts today. biggest party of the year and wbal-tv is the place to watch for the most in-depth coverage. >> we go live with sarah sampson and ava marie. >> you know guys i saw a

rainbow right over the grandstand. that's got to be a good sign for how it's going to be today. the clouds are here and they will be sticking around throughout day and we still have to talk about the possibility of showers. pretty isolated but the chance is stillthere. that's something to keep in mind as you're planning for today make sure you have something to help protect you if there is a bit of rain coming through and also it is going to feel rather chilly even though we approach 72 degrees by 6:00 p.m. so a light jacket is probably a good idea and maybe something a bit waterproof in case we do get a few raindrops but do not bring an umbrella. they will not be allowed in pimlico. so just dress as if you want something light to keep you warm. but right now a few clouds in place and only a couple

raindrops showing up on radar. also with all the new security procedures, you want to bring as little as possible. >> we are hanging on your every word ava, so thank you so much for updating us. our team coverage continues with 11 news reporter sarah sampson. live from the stakes barn. >> good morning sarah. >> good morning. >> it's all about the morning routine. you think of your own morning routine. kinds of gets you ready for the day but for these horses it's important for race day. a couple are grazing and the horse trainer in front of us is running in the dixie race not the preakness but before we got here at 5:00 a.m. these horses were up and being fed and watered and bathed which is quite the process and now they are just out and stretching their legs and able to graze for a little bit but not for too long because they really want to conservative their energy. nine horses will be running in the big race, the preakness and

we took an informal poll and many are pulling for the kentucky derby winner, that's orb. land the has not been a triple crown winner since 1978. >> orb -- i want him to win. want a triple crown so bad. >> now we have not seen a triple crown winner since 1978 so if that two or happen then year, that would be a very big deal. reporting live from the stakes barn, sarah sampson, wbal-tv 11 news. >> thank you sarah and if you're headed to the track if you want to avoid the traffic hassles and parking hassles you can take public transportation. >> with that we check in with kurt kroncke. >> we've got a couple ways to get there. take advantage of the winning fares and one of m.t.a.'s many

services. there's from cold spring thrine pimlico $3.50 round trip and light rail options to the cold spring lane stop from there with your $3.50 all-day pass you can catch a connecting shuttle to pimlico. take metro to the rogers station and connect to a shuttle to the park. that's included the $3.50 all-day pass. services begin at 8:00 a.m. and ends at -- until 7:30 p.m. >> thank you. while excitement for today's race is mouing at pimlico the local breeders are even more pumped about the future of the horseracing industry. >> after a decade of falling

behind other competitors, maryland is seeing a comeback. >> our logo is from beginning to winning. >> in northernal baltimore county this area owned by brothers is full service from breeding to training is where orb's father once stood as stud. his guy 09 derby favoritit hasn't been easy as slots revenue, dedicated to other things -- >> our fund couldn't compete with pennsylvania or new york's and so a lot of old-time maryland breeders just voted with the horse fans and took their mayors and young stock to states that rewarded them. >> the result a 75%-8 0% decline in the number of mayors to breed. >> in 2004 we bred maybe only

2,000 mayors in maryland last year we bred just at 500. >> but the industry is starting to see a comeback. >> these mayors came from west virginia and new york and two of the foles are from friesen fire. >> bob forney is the owner of dina two. she is brought her mayor here. now living life as a stud they say friesenfire fred most mayors last year. >> for me this is the best choice horse i have in anywhere short of kentucky. >> it's fun to see the business come back. this is going to be a very food year for us. >> so why the turn snarned maryland's slots revenue is finally trickling down. >> the whole maryland industry is growing. our handle is larger. our attendance is up. this is going to be a monster preakness, knock on wood. friday, the first time they will open the infield up they

will break all the attendance records. >> the industry has changed dramatically in the last nine-12 nornts maryland with better things still in the pipeline. >> it's been in their family since the great depression. >> you want these farms to prosper. we're the anchors of the nation and you don't want it to be like the baltimore colts where everyone just got tired of promises and up and leaves. >> maryland farm in that area, beautiful farm to visit. you can follow the preakness online and on your phone. use #wbalpreakness. we will also show you the behind-the-scenes and photos and list of banned items. go to www.wbaltv.com and click on "preakness." >> are you ready for this? the powerball lottery has climbed to about $600 million. a few million shy of the

largest jackpot in the world, $656 million. that was mega millions with three winning tickets sold including one right here in maryland. it's your exclusive home and have two opportunities to watch beginning at the top of the 11:00 p.m. newscast. >> and i am thinking while we're out there we will be buying a ticket. >> it's been decades since a woman won a horserace but why the preakness could go down in history, next. >> and weather-wise, most of the rain is south of us.

>> a lot of clouds this morning. a few breaks if the clouds here land the. you see little blue here and there but if you look at the radar. south of the beltaway in western baltimore county, a little sprinkle and shower activity moving out of howard and carroll county north of i- 0 moving east also some diminishing showers out in montgomery county. i'm going to pull out just a little bit. virginia just approaching the patomic river there's a little more activity or sprinkles and showers coming out of the mountains moving east so we're kind of setting the stage here. the other element in our weather is the temperatures today so let's take a look at those. again, we have some breaks in the clouds here land the. 62 degrees.

some showers threatening at pimlico west of -- running 10 miles an hour. bringing moist demur off the atlantic helping to generate an increase. rock haul 63. at the airport it's 62. 67 at the inner harbor. annapolis checks in with 64 degrees. here's are broader view of what's going on, again, a few sprinkles and showers approaching the edge of town and light band of showers approaching this area but most of the activity is south of us from this stationary front stalled but at the moment high pressure is holding this front from moving in. but it's also giving us this east wind dragging in from the atlantic ocean this front will be sitting here. during the day the high pressure will continue pumping in all this.

but our rain chances will be kept fairly decent. most of the rain will be south of us. severe storms will probably develop in the plain states. 67-72, the high today. cloudy skies in general, maybe a break or two. and on the bay, southeast winds 5-0 norths, a 1-foot chop on the open waters of the bay. around 670 today wita small -- around 70 today with a small chance of a sprinkle. sunday a higher chance for showers and thunderstorms. on monday. then summer-like on tuesday and wednesday a few isolated storms in the forecast but we will be in the 80's for a high. ava is waiting here? is that right? ok not to ava right now. we will talk more about her situation out at the track in a few minutes.

>> we will see lovely ava in a moment. >> later today winner of the preakness will be crowned and while all eyes are on kentucky derby winner orb another horse is getting a lot of attention. my loot will be piloted by jockey rosie the pair riding for a shot of history. here's 11 news kate amara. has the rday rosie first chance to be the first woman to win the preakness. she can thank two of the first female jockeys. >> it's good to see people like rosie making a name and keeping it. >> i think she will have a good shot at running at orb. i don't know if she will beat him but she will have a good shot at competing. >> and every year they compete. barbra joe ruben road into the record books in 1969 when she

became the first female jockey to win a race in the united states. >> it was just a burst of energy and we won the race. >> the 64-year-old said she was cheered and booed. >> a lot of them were yelling at me to go home and make babies, and don't come on the track. you have no place here. you're going to kill somebody. >> cheryl white was the first african-american female jockey and started racing in 1971. >> i road races for 21 years and won about 721 races. it's been a long ro but an interesting and very lucrative, fun road for me anyway. >> fun for these ladies now includes picking out the proper speck tating outfit for preakness day. in between the wardrobe changes the conversation inevitably turns to horseracing. >> it's born many any blood. >> i think it's opened up a lot for women. back then they wouldn't even

let us compton racetrack. >> though this remains a male-do nated sport, times have changed thanks to these pioneers a woman will race on saturday. i'm kate amara, wbal-tv 11 news. >> and our preakness coverage continues next with food and drinks. >> join us for oysters and of course black-eyed susan. >> you have to have those. first here's a look at last night's winning lottery numbers.

>> welcome back our preakness coverage continues with our guest from the oyster company that's the preferred oyster of preakness and also making the black-eyed susans for us. i know you are going to have a long night and will have a long day. >> thank you for having us. >> tell us about the oysters. you cannot go to preakness and not partake. >> we are super psyched to be debuting the skinny dipper oyster here. >> great name. >> why the name? >> this is a fun oyster to eat so we wanted the name to reflect that. >> the taste is a prut of its indigenous environment. >> correct. and the water in which these oysters are grown produces a

deep cut and salt taste. but it doesn't have a harsh bite a lot of briny oysters have. >> and of course the perfect blend and combination are the black-eyed susans. tell us some of the ingredients. >> we are making a virgin black-eyed susans. >> yes. this morning we are making a virgin but you can come to rileys and get the real thing. >> i bet you can. >> we start off with a few blackberries. muddle those up. we're going to take some fresh-squeezed lemon. about a whole lemon in there. and then our secret weapon is our lemon grass-infused simple syrup. so two ounces of that. >> your secret weapon. >> so are were people starting to drink a lot of black-eyed susans last night as they were studying for today? >> yes. top it off with a little bit of club soda and then we're going

to spruce it up with some fresh sage. >> that looks good. all right. so now back to the oysters if i can. i'm going to take a little sip. in terms of becoming the preferred oyster of preakness, how'd you pull that one off? >> i've been asking myself that since we heard the news. i want to thank mike isabella for pushing the idea and without him getting behind that and promoting local maryland products, we probably wouldn't have had the opportunity so we're excited about that. >> what does this mean about the volume? >> we're serving about 5,000 of the half shelled oysters and another 3.5,000 that will be shucked as shooters. >> how do you keep shucking without getting injured? >> i got injured this morning shucking a few for the crew. >> well have a safe and wonderful day at the preakness and thank you for sharing your black-eyed susans and have a

good day. i would say b get some sleep but you look fabulous! first here's lester holt with a look at what's coming up on the "today" show. >> good morning. coming up this saturday morning on "today" we're live on the scene of the commuter train collision in connecticut with the latest. >> also ahead this morning 35 million americans are under the threat of severe storms even tornadoes after what has already been a wild week of weather. dylan is tracking that powerful storm system for us. >> plus, we'll introduce you to the mayor of a minnesota town. he is not even in the first grade yet. how the heck did he get elected? >> he looks pretty dapper. maybe that had something to do with it. >> and just in case -- there's a large powerball jack spot. powerball jackpot fever sweeping the nation. you're going to hear from a seven-time winner who says he can increase your odds of winning it all.

how? you're just going to have tune in for that plus some of our dance moves we're showcasing on the plaza ahead this saturday morning. lester has a preview here on "today." >> i live right here.

>> good morning. we're back with 11 news live from pimlico. and right now we're seeing just a few breaks in the cloud cover. fairly cloudy skies and there's a light rain shower off to our west. that's an indication of what we are going to see today. a lot of clouds in place with an easterly wind flow. that will keep temperatures low. we're starting in the low 60's and up to 70 by 2:00 p.m. and by race time, 67 degrees at 6:15. there's a slight chance for a shower but most of the day should be fairly dry but you may have to dodge a few raindrops. i'm out at the stakes barn. are you feeling any raindrops at all? >> no, ava.

and the sun is out hiding behind the clouds every now and then but so far, so good here. there's a lot going on here at the stakes barn this morning, the horses, we have been watching their morning routine when we got here at 5:00 a.m. they were already up and starting to be walked. we have a pony here next to us who is out grazing. that's an important part of the prerace preparation around all eyes have been on orb. i can't show you where he is because he has been down at the other end of the barn but we saw him as he got up and got his bath and he has been out grazing this morning. we've not seen a triple crown winner since 1978 so all eyes are on orb today. reporting live at the stakes barn, sarah sampson wbal-tv 11 news. >> all right, sarah. thank you. >> and of course wbal-tv the official station of the preakness and our live coverage you can watch donna and jerry

starting at 1:00 p.m. if you can't make it to old hill to, the skinner dippers and black-eyed susans.

good morning. new this morning, investigators on the scene after two trains packed with rush hour commuters collide in connecticut. more than 60 people injured,

some critically. what went wrong? we're live at the scene. brecking for the worst. 35 million americans facing the threat of severe weather, including powerful thunderstorms, large hail, even tornadoes. dylan on who is at risk and where it's headed. >> powerball fever, the lottery jackpot soars to 6$690 million and we have tips from a seven-time winner on how you can improve your chances of striking it rich. "today," saturday may 18, 2013. good morning, everyone. welcome to "today" on saturday morning. i'm lester hit. >> i'm erica hill. prepare yourself, you may not see lester holt